Give to Tri-C
Your support for scholarships through the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation changes lives and helps to transform the region — one student at a time.
Tri-C Foundation 2026 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon Raises $1.2 Million
NBC Today Show co-host Al Roker headlines event to support student success
Al Roker shared his inspirational career journey to more than 1,000 attendees while helping the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation raise more than $1.2 million during its 2026 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank.
Since its inception in 1992, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised more than $26 million to provide critical funds that help Tri-C students in need with financial support to achieve their academic goals.
"Every contribution to the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon sends the message to our students that they have value, they have potential, they will succeed and they will contribute to our community," said Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. "There's no better speaker than Al Roker to reinforce that positive message."
Fund to Support Students Pursuing High-Demand Careers
The Fran and Mike DeWine Scholarship Fund for the Workforce of the Future will help learners gain the skills and credentials needed to enter high-demand careers and helping the region’s employers build the workforce needed to grow their business.
The announcement came during the Tri-C Presidential Scholarship Luncheon, as the DeWines received the Presidential Legacy Award recognizing transformational leaders in education.
The scholarship funds will support Tri-C students enrolled in a fast-track training program that leads to a certificate or credential in a high-demand field. They must be Ohio residents and demonstrate financial need.
During his career as a public servant, Gov. DeWine has championed access to higher education, structured workforce preparation initiatives and the socioeconomic mobility of Ohio residents. DeWine's direct mandate to embed work-based learning, co-ops and internships into higher education aligns with Tri-C's promise to build career-ready graduates.
Fran DeWine helped make early literacy resources available statewide, including championing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library so all Ohio children could participate.
Read about the scholarship fund here
Martha Holden Jennings Foundation: a champion of First Generation college students
We are grateful for the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation's transformational five-year, $500,000 commitment to create The First Jennings Scholars Program at Tri-C. This innovative partnership addresses the barriers faced by high schoolers who will be first in their family to go to college. The Scholars program offers critical, proven supportive services that will lead them to success.
The First Jennings Scholars Program builds a strong pathway from education to career, offering academic advising, tutoring, expert career guidance, and supports. Students are guided to create a personal academic plan that leads to their career interests. Jennings Scholars come from many local high schools, but at Tri-C, they have a community of mutual support with their own “homeroom” and on-campus engagement activities.
The goal is to help learners achieve better grades, earn credits and credentials early, and seamlessly transfer to their next educational experience. We look forward to congratulating the first graduates in Spring 2027.
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation is dedicated to advancing education for Ohio's PK-12 students and teachers. It has supported Tri-C for 30-plus years. We are honored to receive its most significant gift to establish a new learning experience for Northeast Ohio high school students.
Learn more about The First Jennings Scholars Program here
Professor receives Robert and Joanne Lewis Award for Creativity, Innovation and Engagement
Congratulations to Michelle Davis, recipient of the 2026 Robert and Joanne Lewis Award. Dr. Michael Baston presented the award during the Oct. 19 Tri-C Power of Us all-staff convening. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize. Davis is an assistant professor of Earth Science.
The Robert and Joanne Lewis Award for Creativity, Innovation and Engagement recognizes full-time faculty, staff or administrators at Tri-C who exemplify exceptional leadership, scholarship and a deep commitment to positively impacting the College and its students.
The award and prize honor the first trustee, Robert L. Lewis, and his wife, Joanne Lewis, both lifelong advocates for civic transformation and community impact. Tri-C is grateful for the leadership and support of these two remarkable people and is honored to preserve their legacy through this award.
Tri-C Westshore Campus Celebrates Student Food Pantry
Donors Ann and Lou Frangos continue support for student success
Tri-C Foundation gathered with its community partners for the dedication of the student food pantry at the Westshore Campus on Nov. 7, 2026. The College recognized and celebrated Ann and Lou Frangos, who extended their commitment to the Pantry to help education come first for Tri-C students. Ann Frangos has served on the Tri-C Board of Trustees for the past six years.
Read more about the dedication here
Tri-C Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Mandel Humanities Center and Expansion of Youth Academy
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Mandel Humanities Center — a decade of advancing humanities education, civic engagement and leadership development.
Coinciding with this milestone, the Mandel Foundation is committing an additional $3 million to expand the Mandel Youth Humanities Academy, a summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors. Held annually at the Tri-C Eastern Campus, the academy expands the students' understanding of the humanities and how it applies to their personal lives and long-term educational goals.
Learn more about this historic relationship.